Clifton Park residents will have an opportunity to speak about proposed amendments to the town code, which would require that all dogs be leashed on town property except in the Mary Jane Row Dog Park and Kinns Road Park, at a public hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, at 7:10 p.m. at the Clifton Park Town Hall.
The amendments to the town code would create a town-wide leash law punishable by a still undetermined amount of fine.
According to the proposed code, a dog must be accompanied by and under the immediate supervision and direct leash control of the owner or other responsible person. Dog leashes must be securely fastened to the dog and held by the owner or responsible person and may be no longer than 25 inches.
Councilman Scott Hughes said the amendments were proposed for stability.
`We were looking for balance and we think we may have achieved it with a town-wide leash law.`
In May, the Town Council proposed creating a town-wide leash law that would require dogs to be on leash at all times on town-owned property, however the proposed regulations, which would allow for walking dogs off leash during restricted hours, was met with concern by residents who wanted the freedom to walk their dogs at any time.
Councilman Tom Paloucci said the town heard several compelling arguments both for and against walking dogs off leash during a public hearing held in May on the proposed code.
`This is something we’ve been talking about for quite awhile and I think what is being proposed is the next extension of how we think to best handle the situation,` said Paloucci.
`For Kinns Road Park and Mary Jane Row Park there are some antes to get in the door,` Paloucci said. `Residents have to understand what the rules are and register with the town.`
The use of Mary Jane Row Dog Park, located on Vischer Ferry Road, a half mile south of Grooms Road, is restricted to town residents by permit only.
The current regulations also allow only one dog at a time in the exercise area unless the owner using the area provides consent to other dog owners to use the area with their pet. An adult 18 or older, according to the regulations, must also supervise dogs in the park.
During the public hearing in May, residents complained about the conditions at the dog park saying that the fenced in space provided is not large enough to adequately exercise large dogs.
`I think there probably would be definite support by the board to make qualitative improvements to the park,` Hughes said. `We want to make it an even better location for dogs.`
As far as opening up Kinns Road Park to unleashed dogs, Hughes said, `We know presently that a large number of dog owners walk their dogs there and we thought that made sense.`
He also said that he understands the concerns of non-pet owners who currently use Kinns Road Park, but that they will have a new nature preserve in close proximity to Kinns Road Park. Dwaas Nature Preserve will be located down the street from the park for passive recreational uses according to Hughes.
`It’s not set in stone,` Hughes said of the proposed amendments. `We’re very much looking forward to the public’s input.`
Residents concerned with the proposed amendments are encouraged to contact the council by mid-September when the council will make a decision on the amendments to the code.
To obtain a permit for the Mary Jane Row Dog Park, residents can visit www.cliftonpark.org and download an application or pick up an application at Town Hall.“